Friday, December 23, 2016

Naganathaswamy Temple, Keezhperumpallam – Legends

Naganathaswamy Temple, Keezhperumpallam – Legends

Kethu Bhagavan:

Keezhperumpallam
is one of the nine Navagraha sthalas located in the Cauvery Delta region
dedicated to shadow planet Ketu. Kethu is an Asura by birth, when he was young
he was known as Swarnabanu. His grandfather was Kasiba munivar, his father was
Vibarachithu and his mother was Simgigai. As his mother was Simgigai he was
called as Simgikeyan. Both the Devas and Asuras wanted to get Amirtham from the
Parkadal (Milk Ocean). Thirumal as in the shape of Mohini was distributing
Amirtham to the Devas.

At that
time Swarnabanu took divine shape sitting between the sun and moon received the
Amirtham and ate it. This was informed to Mohini by the sun and moon. Mohini
was keeping a long spoon in her hand and she hit the Asuras head heavily. The
Asuras head and the body were separated. The head part goes to Lord Kethu. His
Head became a dark colored snake as Kethu. Both Raghu and Kethu had Thapas and
got the status of planets.

Formerly
there were only seven planets. By adding Raghu and Kethu the Universe has nine
planets and people worship them. As Kethu is red in color, Kethu is decorated
with red flowers red colored dresses. In the Zodiac he does not act
independently. Ketu is generally referred to as a “shadow” planet. He is
considered as Tail of the Demon Snake. Kethu prayed to Naganathaswami and was
blessed and rid of his sins by Lord Siva. It is rare to find Kethu with his
head. At this sthala, he can be seen worshipping Lord Siva with his folded
hands held high.

Vasuki performed penance seeking Lord Shiva pardon:

During
the churning of the milk ocean, Vasuki the serpent used as the rope for the
purpose got exhausted and split its venom. Devas ran to Lord Shiva for
protection from the impact of the spreading poison. Lord swallowed the
poison and protected the world. Vasuki felt that it had caused Lord Shiva
to swallow its poison and performed penance seeking Lord’s pardon. Lord
gave darshan to Vasuki and admired its sense of sacrifice. Vasuki begged
Lord Shiva to stay in the place. Lord obliged Vasuki and stayed here named
after the serpent – Naga – Naganathar.